Belgian hospital AZ Monica hit by cyberattack
IT disruption forced the postponement of non-urgent procedures and reduced emergency capacity after a cyberattack.
A cyberattack hit AZ Monica hospital in Belgium, forcing the shutdown of all servers, cancellation of scheduled procedures, and transfer of critical patients. The hospital network, with campuses in Antwerp and Deurne, provides acute, outpatient, and specialised care to the local population.
The attack was detected at 6:32 a.m., prompting staff to disconnect systems proactively. While urgent care continues, non-urgent consultations and surgeries have been postponed due to restricted access to the digital medical record.
Seven critical patients were safely transferred with Red Cross support.
Authorities and hospital officials have launched an investigation, notifying police and prosecutors. Details of the attack remain unclear, and unverified reports of a ransom demand have not been confirmed.
The hospital emphasised that patient safety and continuity of care are top priorities.
Cyberattacks on hospitals can severely disrupt medical services, delay urgent treatments, and put patients’ lives at risk, highlighting the growing vulnerability of healthcare systems to digital threats.
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